The Greater Seattle Business Association aka the GSBA aka the Gay Chamber of Commerce for Seattle, is partnering with the Seattle CityClub to host debates for Seattle City Council races in this year’s election cycle. Happening on multiple dates in October, the debates will be held in/for Seattle City Council Districts 1, 3, 4, and 5. Interestingly enough, all four races feature brand new candidates; none of the incumbents in those districts chose to run for re-election this year including Capitol Hill’s controversial councilperson, Kshama Sawant, who is stepping down to concentrate on national efforts at socio-political advocacy.
All the debates will be in public venues to allow for in-person attendance but will also be broadcast live on various local media outlets.
From the announcement:
“With a significant change in leadership coming to the Seattle City Council, including four open seats, voter education and engagement is more important than ever.” said Alicia Crank, Executive Director of Seattle CityClub. “Candidate debates have long been a staple of our democratic process in that they enable voters to hear directly from those seeking public office while providing opportunity for discussion and rebuttal on key public policy issues. Seattle CityClub has played an integral role in convening both local and statewide candidate debates and is proud to continue that tradition this election year in partnership with Comcast, GSBA, and the Seattle Colleges.”
And from GSBA’s president:
“It is a very important election year for Seattle and GSBA is thrilled to be partnering with Seattle CityClub on these debates in October.” said Ilona Lohrey, President and CEO of GSBA-Washington State’s LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce. “With so many seats on the council open this year, including in District 3-Capitol Hill, which has the highest density of small businesses in the entire state, it is more important than ever for voters to be educated about their choices, and to be engaged in this election.”
Schedule of Debates:
Tuesday, October 3 at 7:00pm – District 1
(West Seattle, White Center, South Park, Georgetown, Industrial District, SODO, Pioneer Square)
Located at South Seattle College – Brockey Center
To register to attend the District 1 Debate, CLICK HERE
Tuesday, October 10 at at 7:00pm – District 3
(Central District, First Hill, Capitol Hill, Madison Park, Montlake, Eastlake)
Located at Seattle Central College – Broadway Performance Hall
To register to attend the District 3 Debate, CLICK HERE
Thursday, October 12 at at 7:00pm District 4
(University District, Wallingford, Roosevelt, Sandpoint, Wedgwood, Fremont)
Located at University of Washington – HUB 160 – Lyceum
To register to attend the District 4 Debate, CLICK HERE
Tuesday, October 17 at at 7:00pm – District 5
(Greenwood, Northgate, Lake City, Bitter Lake, Carkeek Park, Blue Ridge, Crown Hill)
Located at North Seattle College – Auditorium
To register to attend the District 5 Debate, CLICK HERE